DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

This position may require heavy lifting by transferring advocates from a wheelchair to a bed and back to the wheelchair; commode seats; bath or shower; chair or assisting from the floor after they’ve fallen. It requires average strength and mobility in order to successfully assist the advocates.

General Responsibilities: Under the general direction of the House Manager or other Supervisor, performs routine tasks as necessary to keep the operation of the assigned area flowing smoothly in accordance with SCDDSN, OCDSNB and any other entity requirements. Ensures the general health, welfare and safety of the advocates.

Specific Duties:
1. Ensures that advocates’ choices are solicited and respected
2. Assists in the decision-making process of the advocates while helping to support them with recognizing different outcomes
3. Must complete all new hire training within the required time frame. Must complete all required annual training before training becomes out of date.
4. Must complete an annual TB statement.
5. Must complete form provided by agency RN if have had a positive TB test and Xray.
6. Assists advocates as needed to include lifting, walking, dressing, bathing, grooming, toileting, dining or other personal needs.
7. Must be able to remove/insert/clean dentures; attach/detach orthopedic devices; thicken liquids and prepare food as prescribed for swallowing difficulties; manage ostomy care or other kinds of stomas.
8. Operate patient lift equipment to assist advocates from bed to wheelchair; wheelchair to toilet or as needed.
9. Must be able to lift more than 50 pounds.
10. Work can be strenuous, physically demanding and very difficult.
11. Must be able to withstand extreme temperatures during work. E.g., the employee will experience outdoor weather conditions while loading/unloading the consumers from the vans.
12. Must be able to bend and stoop while loading wheelchair advocates and then securing the wheelchairs in the lift vans.
13. Must be able to cook, house clean, wash clothes and other household duties as needed.
14. Must be able to provide CPR/First Aid to advocates which will include stooping down to get on the floor to respond.
15. Must be able to run and move quickly in dealing with advocate behavior problems or when an advocate elopes.
16. Responsible for providing supervision and documenting this care hourly in Therap or any and all forms of documentation used by the agency.
17. Responsible for implementing and documenting programming objectives as written.
18. All training classes are attended as outlined by SCDDSN and OCDSNB.
19. Records data on BSP’s as written.
20. Ensures checklist duties are completed.
21. Provides coverage and assistance as needed on activities, outings and appointments.
22. Assists the House Manager as needed.
23. Provides counseling and friendship to advocates and assists with their problems and concerns as needed.
24. Ensures that SCDDSN and OCDSNB requirements are met.
25. Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications: High school diploma or GED. (Internet-based diplomas are not acceptable unless they are accredited and recognized by the issuing state.) Valid driver’s license. Satisfactory criminal background check. Satisfactory driving record. Satisfactory record with the South Carolina Department of Social Services Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry. If resident of South Carolina for less than 1 year, a satisfactory record with the FBI by being fingerprinted.

Specific Skills or Attributes: Effective written and oral communication skills. Ability to relate to and communicate with the residents, parents, staff, visitors, professional providers to the residents, and the general public.

Physical Abilities Required: Including but not limited to lifting, pushing, pulling, standing, climbing, balancing, crawling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, walking, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, repetitive motions, smelling, communication, writing, reading, driving, (including at night), counting, and running. Physical requirements include very heavy work or lifting with assistance. Visual activity must be accurate enough to write and read small print and to record data. Employee is subject to both indoor and outdoor environments and may be subject to extremes of heat or cold for short periods of time. Employee is subject to noise and hazards including but not limited to the possibilities of physical assault, property destruction and infections. Employee is also subject to wear protective clothing to prevent infections.

Hours of work: Depending on shift assignment, may work 1st, 2nd or 3rd shift. Will work 40 hours per week which includes Monday thru Friday, holidays, as well as weekends to include Saturday and Sunday. Depending on staffing needs, may work additional weekends.